Journalist Demands Prosecution of Dr Yunus for Violations

The legal and constitutional legitimacy of Bangladesh’s recently departed interim government has come under fierce scrutiny. Senior journalist and political commentator Masud Kamal has called for the formal prosecution of the former Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, alleging a systematic and flagrant violation of the nation's Constitution during his eighteen-month tenure.

The President’s Revelations

Speaking on his popular YouTube channel, 'Kotha', Mr Kamal referenced a groundbreaking two-part interview with President Mohammed Shahabuddin, recently published by the national daily Kaler Kantho. In the interview, the President reportedly disclosed that the Chief Adviser and his administration frequently bypassed constitutional mandates, despite having taken an oath to uphold them.

Mr Kamal argued that if these transgressions are ignored, it would establish a dangerous precedent for the future of Bangladeshi democracy.

"The President himself has stated that the Chief Adviser did not follow a single provision of the Constitution. If Dr Yunus is not brought to justice today, it will remain a 'bad example'—a testament that the highest law of the land can be trampled upon with impunity," Kamal asserted.

Allegations of Institutional Erosion

According to Masud Kamal, the interim government consistently claimed to be a "constitutional" body. However, he maintains that their actions told a different story. He argued that every adviser who served during the last 18 months must be held accountable for any breach of law.

The journalist praised the courage of the President for speaking out, noting that such transparency is vital for judicial accountability. He emphasised that the Constitution is not merely a document but the "Supreme Book" of the country, and treating it as optional undermines the very foundation of the state.

Key Points of Contention

A Call for Judicial Accountability

The debate centres on the "Doctrine of Necessity" versus the "Letter of the Law." While the interim government was formed during a period of significant political upheaval, critics like Kamal argue that necessity cannot be used as a permanent shield for ignoring the Constitution.

"This was supposed to be a government that restored order and law," Kamal remarked. "If they themselves operated outside the legal framework, they have failed their primary mission." The call for a lawsuit against Dr Yunus marks a significant shift in the political narrative as the country transitions toward its next phase of governance.